The ad for the opening of  a ‘Big N’ store says it is the second one in Rochester. Webster isn’t Rochester. Besides, the other stores they had in Monroe County at that time were in Greece and Brockport.

Neisner’s started as a “5 and dime” in 1911 in Rochester. In 1970 they were trying to compete with other large stores in the suburbs. It didn’t work. They filed for bankruptcy in Dec. 1977.  The next year they were bought out by Ames who filed for bankruptcy in 1992. Ames was reorganized with a lot fewer stores but only lasted another 10 years before they went out of business.

The Webster Herald

Oct. 28, 1970

‘Big N’ First To Open In New Webster Plaza

“Big N” — More familiarly known to some as Neisner’s – will make Webster’s newest and largest shopping plaza at the corner of Ridge and Hard Roads a reality by opening its doors to area consumers, on November 4.

The giant, 75,000 square-foot, self-service, full-line department store, the biggest in the Town of Webster, is designed to fill every need of the home and family in the “popular price and upward” field.

The exterior of the store boats a front of glass and decorative brick work. A well-lighted parking area will accommodate over 100 cars.

“Big N” also brings to Webster an interesting modern restaurant that will serve hot meals, sandwiches, ice cream dishes to over 300 people hourly.

The 50 departments will offer outstanding values of the finest merchandise available, both for the home and family. Complete departments in women’s, men’s and children wear, shoes, as well as millinery, will feature  up-to-the-minute fashions. A jewelry counter will offer costume jewelry and nationally advertised watches. A complete hosiery department will include values for the whole family. Home needs will be found in complete furniture, appliances, lamps and shades, housewares and hardware, rugs, and paint departments. A toy department and complete line of sporting goods will feature nationally advertised brands. There are departments for automotive supplies, domestics, pets, stationery, records, and candy. In season, a garden department will feature outdoor lawn furniture and related supplies.

The “Big N” Department Store, a subsidiary of Neisner Brothers, Inc., will employ over 125 local personnel. A huge distribution Center near Rochester and a UNIVAC solid State Computer at Neisner’s General Offices in Rochester, will all aid in the operation of the Webster store.